A gathering of prayer and action

Joliet unit of Church Women United to host World Day of Prayer March 1

Betty Mahone isn't certain when the Greater Joliet Unit of Church Women United began.

But Mahone knows CWU very active by the time she moved to the Joliet area and joined in 1981. The group will hold its annual World Day of Prayer Service on March 1.

The theme is "Come Everything is Ready!” All Joliet area women are invited to attend. he cost is only $5 but the benefits are immeasurable, Mahone feels.

"[Change] takes more than prayer. It takes prayer and action," Mahone said. "You can't just sit in your little church and pray. You have to put some feet and hands to those prayers."

Past president Delores Stewart said the event includes fellowship, hymns, intercessory prayer and the breaking into groups to share ideas on addressing issues.

"Last year we had various fundraisers and out of those fundraisers, we financially supported various organizations in the community," Stewart said.

Stewart said organizations that benefited from CWU's efforts included Lamb's Fold Center for Women and Children, Daybreak Center and Stepping Stones. Members have also volunteered at Feed My Starving Children in Aurora.

When the Salvation Army needed towels for its shower program, CWU purchased some, Stewart said. From time to time, CWU also replenishes the Salvation Army's food pantry with nonperishable foods, she added.

"We also have women who attend their Bible study and have become more aware of what the Salvation Army does in the community," Stewart said.

Other events CWU has planned for this year include May Fellow Day: Least Coin Offering on May 3, a summer potluck on July 12, a human rights celebration on Sept. 6, a world community day on Nov. 1 and a Christmas fellowship on Dec. 6.

KNOW MORE

According to its website at wdp-usa.org, World Day of Prayer

• In 1861, women began founding women’s boards for foreign and home missions.

• In 1887 Presbyterian women called for a day of prayer for home missions and Methodist women called for a week of prayer and self-denial for foreign missions.

• A Baptist day of prayer for foreign missions began in 1891.

• By 1897 six denominations had formed a committee for a united day of prayer for home missions.

• In 1911 women celebrated the 50th anniversary of women’s missionary activity with speaking engagements across the United States.

• In 1912, members called for a united day of prayer for foreign missions.

• On Feb. 20, 1920, the first Friday of Lent was established as a joint day of prayer for missions.

• In 1922, Canadian women who began celebrating in1895, took up the same date.

• By 1927 the call to prayer was issued for a World Day of Prayer for Missions.

IF YOU GO

WHAT: World Day of Prayer Service

WHEN: 10 a.m. to noon, March 1

WHERE: Brown Chapel A.M.E. Church, 1502 East Mills Road, Joliet

ETC: Lunch and program. $5.

INFORMATION: Call 815-726-8185.

IF YOU GO

WHAT: Recognition Tea

WHEN: 2 to 4 p.m. March 24

WHERE: Jacob Henry Mansion, Joliet.

ETC: Area women who are visionaries in their churches will be honored. All women are invited to attend the tea. RSVP by March 16.

INFORMATION: To learn how to nominate a woman or to RSVP to the event, call 815-726-8185.